The University of Sunderland has officially relaunched its newly refurbished cinema.

The venue on St. Peter's Campus was damaged beyond use due to Storm Arwen in 2021, but now a £1.3m investment means it is back in action once again.

To mark the occasion, Sir David Bell, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, was joined by Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson, alongside guests from across the region and the creative sector.

The cinema, which has been completely refurbished and upgraded, boasts 120 seats, is fitted with a top of the range laser projector and a Dolby Atmos sound system.

Lewis Atkinson, MP for Sunderland Central, said: "The screen industry in the region is going from strength to strength and I am very optimistic about the increasingly important part that Sunderland is set to play in the future.


"Through the work happening here, the University will garner a world-wide reputation for excellence in all aspects of media, TV and film production – in teaching, in research and in knowledge exchange."

With enhancing student experience at the heart of this investment, the cinema will become an integral part of the experience enjoyed by future filmmakers and producers studying at the University – from screenings and lectures, to premiering students’ work.

Sir David Bell said: "We are delighted to celebrate the official reopening of our newly refurbished campus cinema.

"The significant upgrading of our cinema represents a vital investment in our industry-leading facilities and students will benefit immensely from working in such a place. It also demonstrates our commitment to a professions-facing curriculum which is an excellent preparation for graduate life beyond university.

"In time, our cinema will also become a great resource for local businesses, community organisations and residents."

The University has received funding from Film Hub North as part of their Spotlight Sunderland campaign. This will support a series of public screenings at the relaunched venue to celebrate independent cinema, north-east filmmakers, and the wider region.